The Writings on the Sea Wall: Jill Pelto Art

As science communicators, we are constantly looking for new and innovative ways to translate the ramblings of the ivory tower into a relatable and accessible public dialogue. In my experience, our strongest ally in this endeavor lies in the artists, musicians, and storytellers within our communities. “The Writing on the Sea-Wall” series seeks to highlight the skilled, artisans and projects that help us in our ongoing mission to connect people to science through tangible and impacting messages.

Art by: Jill Pelto

I recently came across this artist while attending one of my favorite west coast science conferences. One of the key note speakers was using Jill Pelto’s art as a gold standard in how we can communicate science to the public. Upon first glance the pieces are stunningly beautiful, but as you delve in closer their true efficacy comes to light. Each piece is crafted around a certain scientific trend from receding sea ice to increasing levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. They are subtle, but impacting.

Art by: Jill Pelto

Pesto is the best kind of science communicator – a scientists and an artist. She is currently working on a Masters of Science at the University of Maine where she studies the Antarctic Ice Sheet. Jill expresses, “My love of nature and wilderness drives me to use creativity to communicate information about extreme environmental issues with a broad audience… I see nature as a work of art, and the origin of my observational skills.”

Alex currently resides as a Science Communicator for the National Park Service, where she inspires thousands a year to love the watery world. Alex earned her Masters degree in chemical ecology from San Diego State University investigating the effects of heavy metal pollutants on the chemical communication between organisms. In her “free time,” Alex enjoys convincing the public that Ecology is indeed sexy. With that goal, she is a strong proponent of unconventional science communication and extending the broader impacts of science to the general public using the outlets of film and social media. When she is not busy busting a move or filming her next rap video, she can normally be found frolicking through the California kelp forest.